“We see AGOA as a bridge to economicself sufficiency and not as a permanent crutch… Africa has not only the potential but the resources and the human capital to determine its own fate, and not only to stand on its own feet but make an extraordinary contribution to the world’s economy”

“ACT will continue the focus on trade begun under AGOA. It will have a strong emphasis on two complementary objectives. First, stimulating US-African trade… Secondly, an emphasis on stimulating regional trade”

Dr. Howard is the Deputy Coordinator for the US Government’s ‘Feed the Future’ initiative and Vanessa Adams is the Director of the US Trade Hub for West Africa.

“It is my great pleasure… to share with you information on the African Competitiveness and Trade Expansion initiative, or ‘ACT’. ACT reflects the significant continuing commitment by the Obama administration to African efforts to use trade to advance economic growth and development” Audio: Listen to MP3 (3:58mins) | Video: View on YouTube

“Trade and investment are critical elements of President Obama’s global development policy… The President called broad-based economic growth the most powerful force in the world for eradicating poverty and creating opportunity”Audio: Listen to MP3 (18:06 mins)